Sister Monica Meyer

MEYER, OP, Sister Monica, of Grand Rapids was gently called home to God on May 2, 2026, at the age of 97, after 79 years of joyful and faithful Dominican religious life.

Sister Monica Meyer, born Josephine Meyer on September 22, 1928, near St. Charles, Michigan. Raised on an 80-acre farm in a large, blended family of eighteen children, she cherished her rural upbringing and retained a lifelong love of nature.

Encouraged by her devout mother and an early sense of calling, she entered Marywood as a postulant on June 17, 1946, at age 17, and was received into the congregation as Sister Mary Monica the following year. She professed her vows and began a rich and varied ministry that spanned decades.

Sister Monica served in numerous roles including teacher, principal, Director of Religious Education, pastoral minister, and educational consultant. Her work took her throughout Michigan and beyond, including service with the International Shrine of St. Jude and collaboration at Xavier University.

At the heart of her ministry was a deep and compassionate teaching philosophy rooted in the dignity of each learner. She believed education was not simply the transmission of knowledge but the nurturing of the whole person—mind, spirit, and heart. Influenced by her Dominican calling, she approached teaching as both contemplation and action: listening attentively to the needs of her students and responding with creativity, patience, and encouragement. She had a gift for meeting students where they were, inspiring confidence, and creating classrooms marked by respect, harmony, and collaboration.

Known for her ability to foster unity, Sister Monica strengthened school communities and inspired countless students and colleagues. One colleague noted her remarkable capacity to bring cohesiveness and renewed vitality to a school community, guiding both staff and students with wisdom and care. Even in challenging circumstances, she was known for bringing calm, order, and a spirit of hope.

After retiring from full-time ministry in 2000 due to illness, she continued to serve through tutoring and hospitality at Marywood, always eager to support and encourage others.

Sister Monica embodied the Dominican call to contemplation and action. She was known for her gentleness, kindness, attentiveness to others, and her contagious laughter. She delighted in walking, reading, traveling, needlepoint, bowling, and sharing time with others, always finding joy and humor in daily life.

Sister Monica is lovingly remembered by her Dominican community, family, and friends. Her life reflected her own words: “True happiness consists in having found one’s rightful place.” She aged with joy and remained forever young in spirit, leaving behind a legacy of faith, learning, and love that continues to bless all who knew her.

Sister Monica will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr. NE, with a Remembering Service on May 8, at 9:00 am and Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Monica’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.